Health is key to a happy Wellington life.

You’ll already know I love myself a bit of R&R zen-like activities. Many of you, like me, need down time to relax and you want to know where to go to find that piece of mind, whether in Wellington or elsewhere.

I’ve been loving exploring some of the hidden and less hidden gems of the city over the last year, particularly when it comes to health. In this post, I wanted to share the best places I’ve tried in 2016 that relate to beauty, health and generally wellness. While I am no expert of wellness, I know what I like - good service, natural remedies and calming atmosphere.

These places specialise in leaving you bright eyed and bushy tailed through a range of holistic practices and can be a great addition to any regular exercise or rituals you may aIready have. I personally use these places myself so know you’ll find a state of bliss while drooling into a massage bed or what-not. I’ve ordered these from $ to $$$ so you can decide what fits your budget and where you want to invest. Wherever that is, I’d definitely say health is worth it in my experience (sorry, I love you Burgers - but its the truth...).

1. Fryberg Swimming Pool

I can’t go past Fryberg when I am looking to get healthy. It offers everything you could ask for. As far as classes go, there are a range offered by Club Active, the in-house gym. But personally, its the pool that has got me going back time after time.

Housed in one of the most stunning examples of architecture in Wellington, Fryberg Pool is the perfect place to bliss out and get some swimming, aqua jogging or sauna time in. Fryberg is one of those so-obvious-that-you-always-forget places to go. Swimming is a great way to clear your head and also get fit. Don’t overlook this amazing facility that we have available to us in Wellington for very little. Check out the WCC website for more details but it is open from 6am until 9pm every day.

2. The Wellington Apothecary

The Wellington Apothecary already feels like a long-established fixture in Wellington and yet has only been around for two years. Run by three friends who met in Raglan, the store recently moved from Ghuznee Street to Cuba Mall, right nearby the Matterhorn. The Wellington Apothecary offers a mix of stocked and self produced (upstairs of the shop) health and beauty products that are sure to delight those who want natural, gentle skincare that packs a punch.

With teas, shampoo, aromatherapy and now facials, I love that they have a wide variety of beauty products at a good range of prices (there’s Tailor skincare as well!). The Wellington Apothecary is a great place to come to get gifts for a hard-to-buy-for lady friend as well as just treat yourself to a high-quality locally owned beauty business that is run with love and care.

3. Hot Yoga Wellington

Hot Yoga is a practice I’ve been passionate about for years, long before blogging became a regular feature in life. Hot Yoga Wellington is a great place to practice because the heat of the room helps you work deeper into your muscle tissue as you practice. With a variety of different classes, including hot yoga, power vinyasa and yin yoga, there will be a practice to suit whatever mood you’re in. I love that they also play music during class, to match the pace of practice.

When I’m energised I like to do a PV but I can’t go past a Sunday 6pm Yin class either. Hot Yoga has two locations already open, and a third opening in Lower Hutt tomorrow, Saturday 12 November. While I adore the decor of the Featherston Street studio, I can’t go past the great location of the Wakefield Studio. I love Hot Yoga and think that it is so helpful, no matter what your physicality, to re-set your body and your mind. Really would suggest giving it a try (start with Yin).

4. Om Clinic

Om Clinic is the place to go if you want a chilled out, no fuss treatment in a safe haven. I’ve already raved about Lauryn massages but they also offer accupunture, teeny-tiny yoga classes and Biocranial Sacral Therapy sessions (with the gorgeous Anna Thompson).

Om Clinic is tucked away in Egmont Street. It feels like your secret hideaway, as you ring the buzzer of the brick building opposite the Egmont Street Eatery. Whatever practice you indulge in, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to face the world.

5. Float Well New Zealand

Now popularised by ‘Stranger Things’, floating is an incredible experience everyone is talking about. And for good reason. I’ve become such an enthusiast that I was named a ‘Float Ambassador’ by Float Well (rather chuffed). A float is an hour of lying in very densely salted water with no distractions for a whole hour. You can even fall asleep, the water is so dense (you will just continue to float).

Floating is a practice which not only benefits the body but the mind. Sam and Kevin - the business owners - are chilled out yet knowledgable about floating. It’s a great thing to learn to de-stress and switch off. If you have been pondering your problems for ages, I would recommend a float to help you relax, unwind and maybe even crack some of those questions you’ve had on the back burner of your brain. Floating will be a revelation.

6. Margaret Hema Facials

I know, I know. I go on and on. But there really is nothing like having a Hema facial. While Margaret Hema’s facials may be considered a luxury, her products and techniques really do work to bring new life to skin. With a wealth of experience behind her, and a deep knowledge of skin, Margaret Hema is a treat you have to experience to believe. She has an ability to relax even the most over-worked stress-pot and her kindness and animated, wise spirit will leave your soul refreshed as well as your face.